Psalm 16

 

1 A Michtam of David. Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.

2 O my soul, you have said to the LORD, "You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You."

3 As for the saints who are on the earth, "They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight."

4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god; Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, Nor take up their names on my lips.

5 O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot.

6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance.

7 I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.

8 I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope.

10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.

11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

     Psalm 16 (NKJV)

In my Bible, this psalm is captioned “The Hope of the Faithful; and the Messiah’s Victory.” It is cited several times in the New Testament (Acts 2:25-31, Acts 2:32-36, Acts 13:35-37), where the Apostles Peter and Paul applied it to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For believers, Christ’s resurrection is our blessed hope. Without the resurrection, our faith would be empty (1 Corinth. 5:14). But because Christ is risen, we trust that we too will be raised.

David declares in this psalm that he has put his trust in God  (v. 1).  This is the basis of faith---believing that He is Almighty God with power to save all who trust in Him.  When we do, He cares for us and in Him, we have a “good inheritance.” By contrast, those who hasten after “another god” will never be satisfied and instead will have their sorrows multiplied.  Who or what are you trusting in today? Make sure it's only in the Lord Jesus. Nothing else will fill you with hope, peace and abundant life.

 David also proclaims "You are my Lord" (v. 2). This come out of a sincere heart that really knew God.  By contrast, there are some who call Him “Lord” and yet Jesus declares of them: “I never knew you; depart from Me” (Matthew 7:21-23).  This is one of the most frightful passages in the Bible speaks of those; don't let it refer to you. Be sure that you truly know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord.  Then commit your way unto Him and He will show you the path of life. With Christ, there is the blessed promise of joy forevermore with Him.